TRC endorses revised 2022 Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) on September 20, 2022 endorsed a refreshed 2022 Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy.

This strategy will guide future transport planning and implementation across the Region.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the 2022 revised strategy responds to changes in the Region’s transport sector since December 2014.

Mayor Antonio said the updated strategy set the long-term vision by considering current issues and opportunities, and likely future challenges.

“Our refreshed Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy assesses the social, economic and environmental needs of our community, ensuring future transport development is sustainable and protects our natural environment,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Population forecasts indicate our Region could be home to a further 55,000 people over the next 30 years. Planning now for this future growth will ensure future generations enjoy the lifestyle benefits that make the Region a destination.

“Council is responsible for guiding policy and planning in the provision of infrastructure and services to provide more sustainable, healthy and affordable transport choices for residents and visitors and encouraging less reliance on private vehicles.

“A sound, coordinated and efficient transport system is fundamental to underpinning and driving the regional economy.

“The 2014 Strategy led to some great outcomes, including the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments.

“Cross-government relationships will be essential in delivering the vision and objectives of the Strategy and Council will continue to build on the good working relationships and partnerships with the State and Commonwealth governments, business, industry and the community.”

TRC Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cr Carol Taylor said the strategy was an over-arching document that would oversee all relevant planning and transport infrastructure across our growing Region.

“We have refined and updated the overall vision for our Region’s transport future to deliver ‘a sustainable and integrated transport system that supports liveable communities’,” Cr Taylor said.

“Our refresh has reshaped key objectives and strategies from the 2014 strategy into the themes of ‘people, place and prosperity’, which directly align with Council’s Corporate Plan and other strategic planning documents.

“This refreshed Strategy continues to support future investment in transport infrastructure developments and addresses emerging transport opportunities, including E-mobility devices, electric vehicles and encouraging walking.

“This is a major step forward for our transport planning and for managing expected growth in transport demand and our investment in regional, private motor, freight, public and active transport networks.

“It is critical we keep corridors open for future road and rail infrastructure, cycleways, dual-use pathways and other modes of transport.”

Cr Taylor said the strategy set sustainable transport objectives across the Region.

These goals include: • Reducing the reliance on the private vehicle, • More travel and accessibility choices for our residents, • Improved regional connectivity, and • Leveraging technology to benefit integrated traffic management and the environment.

TRC Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said the adoption of the refreshed strategy was important to ensure it is enshrined formally in Council’s decision-making processes.

Cr O’Hara Sullivan said the Strategy would inform the ways communities were built to cater for transport options and factors like an ageing population and disability access.

“Planning where future communities will be built, along with projected population growth, will determine traffic demand for state roads and the local Council road network into the future,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

“This information is vital for refining Council’s capital works program.”

Council met with business and industry bodies, public transport and active transport groups, disability groups and State Government representatives to gather information that informed the preparation of the refreshed strategy.

The Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/sustainabletransportstrategy